GOA: On the second day of the ETEducation Chancellors’ Conclave 2026, AI integration, research-driven innovation, skill development and inclusive access to education were identified as the main themes, with education leaders urging universities to go beyond rankings and placements and instead aim at generating broader social and economic value.
The discussions, at the ETEducation Chancellors’ Conclave 2026 held on October 23, stressed the importance of bringing higher education in line with technological change, the demands of the industry, and India’s development goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative.
Vaibhav Kumar Srivastava of Google Cloud outlined how AI-powered learning, curriculum integration and digital campus solutions can improve student outcomes, faculty productivity and institutional efficiency. He also highlighted the widening gap between fast-evolving technologies and conventional university curricula.
Research investment has become another major priority. Prof Vithal Tilvi from the Goa State Higher Education Council stated that world-class universities need continuous research funding, modern scientific facilities and valuable student research experiences.
Dr H. Purushotham, secretary of Andhra Pradesh’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, advocated for more robust research ecosystems, for equitable funding of research and development, and for an educational system based on entrepreneurship. He emphasized the need to link research and innovation with job creation in order to establish globally competitive universities.
The education leaders present in various panel discussions called for a stronger implementation of the current policies, for faculty members to be reskilled, for education to remain affordable, for the curricula to be aligned with the requirements of the industry, and for a greater focus on practical skills. They stated that the emphasis should be placed on what students can apply in practice rather than merely on their qualifications.
Addressing the role of universities in national development, Goa minister Subhash Phal Dessai urged institutions to take education to villages and underserved communities. He pointed out that inclusive education, skill-oriented learning and research-driven innovation are essential if development opportunities are to extend beyond the urban areas.
Dr. Kiran Bedi asked universities to equip their students for life rather than just for employment. She stressed the importance of developing character, responsible leadership, experiential learning and student engagement, arguing that institutional success should be measured beyond rankings and placement figures.
In his valedictory speech, Dhaval Jadhav, officer on special duty to the Goa Chief Minister, called for stronger university-industry partnerships to advance research, innovation and employability. He also invited universities to explore sustained collaborations with the Goa government.
The conversations within the conclave highlighted a common priority, namely the need to establish universities that integrate technological readiness and research excellence with human-centred learning, employment opportunities and inclusive social development.
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